Leak confirmed: MY24 Polestar 2 switches to RWD, increases range, power and safety inclusions

Polestar Australia has released specs for a major refresh of the Polestar 2 electric car, following on from rumours during the last few days that the MY24 Polestar 2 would be quite different from last years model.

Australian customers will be able to order the model year 2024 Polestar 2 in the second quarter of 2023 via polestar.com/au. First deliveries are expected in the third quarter of 2023.

This is a lot more than just a visual refresh as the Polestar 2 is set to join it’s cousin the Volvo XC40 in being rear wheel drive.

There are also range, power and acceleration improvements, especially for the long range Polestar 2 variants which change to a larger 82kWh CATL battery with 27 modules. The standard range battery remains at 69kWh but changes to 24 modules supplied by LG Chem and the range increases due to improved efficiency.

Standard inclusions are also set to increase, frankly at this price point these should have all been in the base and premium models from the car’s first launch:

• Wireless phone charging pad
• 360-degree surround view camera
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with steering support
• Cross Traffic Alert with brake support
• Rear Collision Warning and Mitigation
• Automatic dimming exterior mirrors

Charging time significantly improves for the long range variants which now have a top speed of 205kW compared to the previous 150kW. Of course this is only useful if using a really fast charger like an Evie or Chargefox 350kW location.

The new front end is now called SmartZone and like the upcoming Polestar 3, the SmartZone hosts active safety features, including the front facing camera and mid-range radar.

Impressively even though the batteries, motors and performance have improved, carbon emissions for MY24 Polestar 2 variants with 82 kWh batteries have come down by 1.1 tonnes to 5.9 tonnes per car (previously 7 tonnes per car), thanks to improved cell chemistry. A full life cycle assessment (LCA) is planned later in 2023.

Polestar CEO, Thomas Ingenlath commented:

“Typically in the car industry, a facelift introduces superficial visual changes that often destroy the original intention of the car’s design theme”.

“With the new model year Polestar 2, we rather went below the surface and upgraded substantial tech and mechanical components of the electric drivetrain. This is the best Polestar 2 yet, and with the updated front design with the new SmartZone, the best looking one, too”.